I’ve never had a Valentine. No, I’m not talking about the mandatory pink and red cards we exchanged in elementary school. I’m talking about the full-on flowers, teddy bears and chocolates galore type of Valentine. I usually chalk it up to, “it’s not my time,” “the right guy will come along,” or “guys in college aren’t about all that” blah blah blah. But it still hurts.
There are some girls out there who are confident with themselves and don’t care about this superficial holiday. But for others, including myself, it’s simply another reminder that you’re alone. Sometimes it feels like there’s something wrong with you—but that’s the farthest from the truth. It might sound corny, but when you’re feeling down and out, the best way to get back up can be sweet tunes by some bad bitches. We don’t need a guy to be happy or beautiful, all we need is a little female empowerment.
“Fight Song” – Rachel Platten
I’m basically contractually obligated to start off with this song. This go-to song always gets me pumped up and motivated to keep trying harder. If life is a stormy rain cloud, this song is your umbrella.
“And I don’t really care if nobody else believes. ‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.”
“Sit Still, Look Pretty” – Daya
This song is the opposite of sitting still and looking pretty: It’s about being independent and not needing a man to get to where you want to be in life. It’s an upbeat song that’s surely going to make you ready to take on your dreams, full speed ahead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmbWYcz4sk
“That Snow White she did right in her life, had seven men to do the chores, ‘cause that’s not what a lady’s for.”
“I Have Confidence” –The Sound of Music
Sure, on the surface this song might seem like it’s about a woman who’s terrified about taking care of seven children, but it’s much deeper than that. It’s about having confidence –duh. And there’s nothing quite like reminiscing on childhood days and listening to Julie Andrews to put a spring in your step.
“Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries. If I don’t I just know I’ll turn back. I must dream of the things I am seeking. I am seeking the courage I lack.”
“Beautiful” – Christina Aguilera
This song will never get old. It’s beautifully written and Aguilera’s voice is phenomenal. It’s a powerful song with an important meaning. You really are beautiful, and nothing or nobody should ever make you feel otherwise.
“I am beautiful no matter what they say. Words can’t bring me down. I am beautiful in every single way… so don’t you bring me down today.”
“Try” – Colbie Caillat
A sweet song that talks about the pressures young girls face when they want to fit in with society’s standards of beauty, Caillat tells us to stop trying and stop the madness. As long as we are happy with who we are, that’s all that should matter.
“Wait a second, why should you care, what they think of you? When you’re all alone, by yourself, do you like you?”
“Feeling Myself” – Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé
You can’t have a list of female empowerment without having a boss like Nicki and the killer queen of confidence herself, Queen B on it. Grab your other single girls and jam out to this song. A little confidence never hurt anybody.
“Cause we dope girls, we flawless, we the poster girls for all this.”
“Who Says” – Selena Gomez & The Scene
How can you not feel good about yourself after listening to this song? Sure, Selena’s gorgeous, so who knows if she’s ever felt this way, but you’ve got to love the message behind it. This is a song for women of all ages.
“I’m no beauty queen. I’m just beautiful me.”
“Love Myself” – Hailee Steinfeld
This is an upbeat song guaranteed to make you sing and dance. You shouldn’t only feel loved when someone else loves you. The first and most important thing to do is to love yourself. It’s easier said than done, but you’ll get there.
“Gonna love myself, no I don’t need anybody else.”
“Masterpiece” – Jessie J
Jessie J is just a sweetheart, am I right? Okay, I’ve never actually met her, but I saw her in concert once and she just seemed like the type of person to leave some quarters behind in the laundry room for a stranger. This song is about knowing that you’re not perfect—but you don’t have to be. You just have to keep working on it.
“I still fall on my face sometimes and I can’t color inside the lines. ‘Cause I’m perfectly incomplete. I’m still working on my masterpiece.”
“Video” – India Arie
You don’t have to look like the women on TV or magazines, because let’s face it –that’s not real. They don’t even look like that in real life. You are you and you are beautiful.
“I’m not the average girl from your video, and I ain’t built like a supermodel. But I learned to love myself unconditionally, because I am a queen.”
